Arrest after body of man found in van in Leicester

Detectives have launched an investigation after the body of a man was found in a van parked in Leicester city centre.

Police were called to a car park in Garden Street just after 5.30pm on Wednesday (27 May) by a member of the public reporting concern about the condition of the vehicle.

When officers forced entry to the van, the body of a man was found inside.

Enquiries are continuing to be undertaken to locate the man’s next of kin.

After identifying the address of the registered keeper of the van, further enquiries have led to the arrest of a 39-year-old woman from an address in Hounslow on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody.

An investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the man’s death are continuing and anyone who can help is asked to come forward.

Detective Inspector Kev Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s (EMSOU) major crime team, said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who can help with our investigation.

“The man was found in a white Ford Transit with the registration BF18 VNV.

“Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen this van in Garden Street or other parts of Leicester and Leicestershire to get in touch.

“This includes anyone who may have seen the van where they live or work to get in touch. I’d like to extend this appeal to anyone who may have captured its movements on CCTV or a dashcam.”

You can pass on information directly to the investigation team by through a dedicated major incident portal, which can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM26I80-PO1

Alternatively you can call 101.

If you are making a report by phone from outside Leicestershire, please follow the prompts to speak to another force and state ‘Leicestershire Police’ when requested.